When should you test your parking brake?

While the parking brake is applied

While your vehicle is moving at a very low speed

While your vehicle is moving at a speed of at least 10 mph

If the coolant overflow container is not part of the pressurized system, to check the coolant level,

(a) inspect the reservoir sight glass.

(b) remove the container cap and check the level visible.

When inspecting the brakes, you should pay particular attention to

the brake linings or brake pads.

As you prepare to pass your CDL skills test, which of the following statements is true?

If you fail one part of the skills test, you'll have to retake the entire test next time.

You don't need to inspect your vehicle in the same order each time.

The pre-trip inspection test is easy to pass.

You can bring a pre-trip inspection checklist with you to the exam.

To improve visibility during severe or stormy weather, __________ must be secure, undamaged, and operating smoothly and correctly.

the windshield wipers and washer

Free
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20 questions
Pass mark 80%

South Dakota CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

20 pre-trip inspection questions for the South Dakota CDL Knowledge Test, out of 91 in the app. Answer each to see whether you got it right and why. The real South Dakota Pre-Trip Inspection test has 20 questions and you need 16 correct (80%) to pass.

Facts updated Oct 26, 2026
Official source: law.cornell.edu
Independent, not affiliated with the DMV. How we write our questions

How it works

1Pick an answer20 questions, one tap each.
2See the ruleRight or wrong, every answer is explained.
3Get your scoreCompared with the real 80% pass mark.

Start the test

0/20 answered0 correctPass mark 80%

1Question 1 of 20
The angle between the pushrod and arm should be a little over 90 degrees when the brakes are released and not more than 90 degrees when the brakes are applied. This refers to the
Not quite. The answer is slack adjusters.
The slack adjuster connects to the pushrod. If the slack adjuster has too much slack, the brake can fail.
2Question 2 of 20
When should you test your parking brake?
Not quite. The answer is While the parking brake is applied
The parking brake is meant to keep your vehicle from moving. The best way to test it is to apply the parking brake and then try to pull forward gently. The parking brake should hold your vehicle in place. If you're pulling one or more trailers, test each trailer's parking brakes in the same way.
3Question 3 of 20
What transmits power from the transmission to the drive axle?
Not quite. The answer is Drive shaft
The drive shaft transmits torque from the transmission and the gear box to the drive wheels. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the drive shaft is not bent or cracked and the U-joints aren't loose or worn. While you're driving, a dropped drive shaft could be very serious.
4Question 4 of 20
You must be prepared to inspect the brake components on which axles?
Not quite. The answer is Every axle
Be prepared to perform a brake components inspection on every axle. You may need to perform a suspension components inspection on every axle, too.
5Question 5 of 20
If the coolant overflow container is not part of the pressurized system, to check the coolant level,
Not quite. The answer is do either (a) or (b).
If the coolant overflow container is not part of the pressurized system, you can remove the cap to check the coolant level even when the engine is hot. Alternatively, some vehicles have sight glasses to let you check the coolant level. Note: Never attempt to remove the radiator cap or any other part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled thoroughly. While it's hot, pressurized steam or boiling water can spray out and injure you.
6Question 6 of 20
What should you make sure is secure and not leaking and its cap(s) are tight?
Not quite. The answer is Fuel tank(s)
While inspecting the side of your vehicle, check that the fuel tanks are securely mounted and their fuel filler caps are tight. Also make sure that neither the tanks nor the fuel lines are leaking.
7Question 7 of 20
Which belt should you make sure is securely mounted and adjusts and latches properly?
Not quite. The answer is Safety / seat
You should wear your safety belt at all times while you're riding. (You may fail your skills test if you don't wear it.) Make sure it is in good condition and securely mounted in the cab. Also make sure it adjusts and latches properly.
8Question 8 of 20
According to the CDL manual, if your vehicle has a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, it should be more than
Not quite. The answer is 1/8 full.
According to the CDL manual, the DEF tank should be more than 1/8 full. (Typically, a vehicle uses about 1 gallon of DEF for every 50 gallons of diesel fuel.) Also check the DEF indicator on the dashboard to be sure it is working properly.
9Question 9 of 20
Apply _________ and then try to pull forward gently. If it works properly, your vehicle shouldn't move.
Not quite. The answer is the parking brake
The parking brake is meant to keep your vehicle from moving. The best way to test it is to apply the brake and then try to pull forward gently. The parking brake should hold your vehicle in place.
10Question 10 of 20
During your pre-trip inspection, check the ________ to make sure that its connections are tight and not excessively corroded.
Not quite. The answer is battery
During your pre-trip inspection, check the battery to make sure that its connections are tight and not excessively corroded. Also check that the door or cover of the battery box is secure and undamaged.
11Question 11 of 20
When inspecting the brakes, you should pay particular attention to
Not quite. The answer is both of the above.
When inspecting the brakes, check that the drums (or discs) do not have cracks longer than one-half the width of the friction area. Also check that the linings (or pads) are neither loose nor soaked with oil or grease. The linings (or pads) must not be worn dangerously thin either.
12Question 12 of 20
When you inspect the air lines, which sense should you use to check for air leaks?
Not quite. The answer is Hearing
When you inspect the air lines, listen for the telltale hiss of escaping air, which indicates an air leak.
13Question 13 of 20
_________ should be clean with no dirt, illegal stickers, obstructions, or damage.
Not quite. The answer is The windshield and mirrors
Windshields and mirrors should be clean and free of damage, illegal stickers, or obstructions that could impede visibility.
14Question 14 of 20
Which of these items are checked in a pre-trip inspection?
Not quite. The answer is Both of the above
There are many things you must check during your pre-trip inspection. In Step 5 (Walkaround Inspection) of the Seven-Step Inspection Method, you'll check many items around the vehicle, including the cargo securement and the condition of the windshield wipers.
15Question 15 of 20
During the pre-trip inspection, which of the following does NOT get checked at the rear of a trailer?
Not quite. The answer is Landing gear
You check the landing gear when you inspect the side of the trailer.
16Question 16 of 20
During your pre-trip inspection, you are checking the Pitman arm, drag link, and tie rod. What are you inspecting?
Not quite. The answer is Steering linkage
The steering gearbox (also called the steering box) is connected to the steering column. The steering linkage transmits steering action from the steering box to the front wheels. This linkage includes the Pitman arm, drag link, tie rod, and upper and lower steering knuckles. During your pre-trip inspection, check that these components are securely mounted. Check for loose or missing nuts, bolts, or cotter pins. Check that nothing is wrapped around the tie rod.
17Question 17 of 20
What system consists of external piping for conducting combustion gases from the engine?
Not quite. The answer is Exhaust
Your vehicle's exhaust system consists of a set of pipes and other components for removing the hot combustion gases produced by your engine. One of these gases, carbon monoxide (CO), can be particularly poisonous to you if an exhaust leak causes CO to build up in the cab. During your pre-trip inspection, check the exhaust system for cracks, holes, and severe dents. Check for sounds and signs of leaks. There should be no loose, broken, or missing parts. No exhaust system parts should be rubbing against fuel system parts, tires, wires, air lines, or other moving parts of the vehicle.
18Question 18 of 20
As you prepare to pass your CDL skills test, which of the following statements is true?
Not quite. The answer is If you fail one part of the skills test, you'll have to retake the entire test next time.
Applicants fail the pre-trip inspection more than any other part of the CDL skills test. There's a lot to remember. Inspecting your vehicle in the same order each time will help you remember the steps both for your skills test and in your commercial driving career. If you fail any part of the skills test, you will have to take the entire skills test again and pay additional fees.
19Question 19 of 20
To improve visibility during severe or stormy weather, __________ must be secure, undamaged, and operating smoothly and correctly.
Not quite. The answer is the windshield wipers and washer
Check that the windshield wiper blades are in good condition and press hard enough against the windshield to keep it clean without excessive streaking. Also make sure that the windshield washer mechanism works and there is enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.
20Question 20 of 20
You are checking for damage to the longitudinal members, cross members, box, or floor. What are you inspecting?
Not quite. The answer is Frame
The frame consists of the structural members for supporting the body of the vehicle or trailer. When inspecting the frame, (1) check for cracks; (2) check for broken welds; and (3) check for illegal holes or other damage to the longitudinal frame members, cross members, box, or floor.

Questions people ask

Is this South Dakota CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test like the real South Dakota CDL Knowledge Test?

The questions are written in the same style as the real test, from official sources, with an explanation for each answer. The real test has 20 questions; this free test has 20.

How many questions are on the South Dakota CDL Knowledge Test?

The General Knowledge test has 20 questions. Each class and endorsement adds its own test.

What score do you need to pass the South Dakota CDL Knowledge Test?

You need 16 out of 20 correct (80%).

How old do you have to be to take the South Dakota CDL Knowledge Test?

You can take it from age 18.

Where can I practice more questions?

The Driving Exam Prep app has the full question bank for your test, a step-by-step roadmap, a mistakes review and a readiness score against the real pass mark.

Official sources

Our questions are written from these official sources. Always study your official handbook too: rules change, and our practice questions may differ from your real test.

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The angle between the pushrod and arm should be a little over 90 degrees when the brakes are released and not more than 90 degrees when the brakes are applied. This refers to the

When should you test your parking brake?

What transmits power from the transmission to the drive axle?

You must be prepared to inspect the brake components on which axles?

If the coolant overflow container is not part of the pressurized system, to check the coolant level,

What should you make sure is secure and not leaking and its cap(s) are tight?

Which belt should you make sure is securely mounted and adjusts and latches properly?

According to the CDL manual, if your vehicle has a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, it should be more than

Apply _________ and then try to pull forward gently. If it works properly, your vehicle shouldn't move.

During your pre-trip inspection, check the ________ to make sure that its connections are tight and not excessively corroded.

When inspecting the brakes, you should pay particular attention to

When you inspect the air lines, which sense should you use to check for air leaks?

_________ should be clean with no dirt, illegal stickers, obstructions, or damage.

Which of these items are checked in a pre-trip inspection?

During the pre-trip inspection, which of the following does NOT get checked at the rear of a trailer?

During your pre-trip inspection, you are checking the Pitman arm, drag link, and tie rod. What are you inspecting?

What system consists of external piping for conducting combustion gases from the engine?